Dripless air conditioning vent

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment of the invention, a dripless air conditioning (A/C) vent includes a vent diffuser in communication with an A/C vent. The vent diffuser includes a pair of end cap components fabricated from poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) and a pair of side channel rails also fabricated from PVC and arranged oppositely to one another, each side channel rail secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components. The vent diffuser further includes at least one inside channel rail also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail is secured and a middle cap arranged perpendicularly to each of the channel rails and secured to a common bottom face of each of the channel rails.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of air conditioning (A/C) vents and more particularly to vent diffusers of A/C vents.

Description of the Related Art

Condensation forms along A/C vents as the water vapor in the air is cooled and condensed into a liquid form. The colder the air from the air conditioner—the more likely that water will condense along the A/C vent. Furthermore, condensation is more likely to form when warm, humid ambient air comes into contact with a colder surface, such as a metal A/C vents. Due to the thermal conductivity of the metal, the metal A/C vent is more likely to be a colder temperature and eventually produce water drops. Condensation along A/C vents may be exacerbated in high humidity regions and where doors and windows are constantly being opened or kept opened. Thus, condensation along A/C vents is likely to occur in most hotels, restaurants, commercial buildings and homes.

The condensation around an A/C vent causes moisture to accumulate, which eventually leads to water dripping from the air vents. The water dripping from the A/C vents eventually damages the areas surrounding the vent. Not only will the water damage result in detrimental effects to the ceiling material surrounding the vent, carpeting and furnishings near the vent will be damaged as well. At the same time, the moisture caused by the condensation allows the growth of black mold, which can lead to significant health issues and costly removal of everything affected by the black mold.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to A/C vents and provide a novel and non-obvious apparatus for a dripless A/C vent. In an embodiment of the invention, a dripless air conditioning (A/C) vent includes a vent diffuser in communication with an A/C vent. The vent diffuser includes a pair of end cap components fabricated from poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) and a pair of side channel rails also fabricated from PVC and arranged oppositely to one another, each side channel rail secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components. The vent diffuser further includes at least one inside channel rail also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail is secured and a middle cap arranged perpendicularly to each of the channel rails and secured to a common bottom face of each of the channel rails.

In one aspect of the embodiment, each of the end caps and the middle cap further comprise a respective groove in parallel with the inside channel rail, wherein each groove is of a thickness corresponding to a thickness of the inside channel rail so that the inside channel rail is secured by each of the grooves of the pair of end caps at each distal end and secured by the groove of the middle cap at the intermediate position.

In another aspect of the of the embodiment, each of the side channel rails further comprise a top face, wherein each top face of each of the side channel rails is along an entire length of each of the side channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the side channel rails forming an outer lip of the top face of each of the side channel rails. As well, the inside channel rail includes a tope face, wherein the top face of the inside channel rail is along an entire length of the inside channel rail and positioned perpendicular to height of the inside channel rail forming an inner lip and an outer lip of the top face of the inside channel rail. Here, a width of the top face of the inside channel rail is less than a width between each of the side channel rails and the top face of each of the side channel rails and the top face of the inside channel rail form a common top face of each of the channel rails.

In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the dripless A/C vent includes a second inside channel rail also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail and the first inside channel rail are secured. Further, dripless A/C vent may include a third inside channel rail also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail and the first inside channel rail are secured.

In yet another aspect of the embodiment, each of the end caps and the middle cap further comprise a respective groove in parallel with each of the inside channel rails, wherein each groove is of a thickness corresponding to a thickness of each inside channel rail so that each inside channel rail is secured by each of the grooves of each of the end caps at each distal end and secured by each of the grooves of the middle cap at the intermediate position.

In even yet another aspect of the embodiment, each of the side channel rails includes a top face, wherein each top face of each of the side channel rails is along an entire length of each of the side channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the side channel rails forming an outer lip of the top face of each of the side channel rails. As well, each of the inside channel rails includes a top face, wherein the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is along an entire length of each of the inside channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the inside channel rails forming an inner lip and an outer lip of the top face of each of the inside channel rails. Here, a combined width of the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is less than a width between each of the side channel rails and the top face of each of the side channel rails and the top face of each of the inside channel rails form a common top face of each of the channel rails.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top front perspective view of a dripless A/C vent in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 1B is a top front perspective exploded view of a dripless A/C vent in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a partial cutaway view of a portion of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2A is a top front perspective view of a dripless A/C vent in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2B is a top front perspective exploded view of a dripless A/C vent in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top front perspective view of a dripless A/C vent in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 3B is a top front perspective exploded view of a dripless A/C vent in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a partial cutaway view of a portion of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4A is a top front perspective view of a dripless A/C vent in accordance with an embodiment of this invention; and,

FIG. 4B is a top front perspective exploded view of a dripless A/C vent in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide for a dripless A/C vent that includes a vent diffuser in communication with the A/C vent. The vent diffuser includes a pair of end cap components fabricated from poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) and a pair of side channel rails also fabricated from PVC and arranged oppositely to one another, each side channel rail secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components. The vent diffuser further includes at least one inside channel rail also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail is secured and a middle cap arranged perpendicularly to each of the channel rails and secured to a common bottom face of each of the channel rails. This invention allows for a lightweight air vent diffuser that is easy to assemble and eliminates the problem of condensation as the PVC material absorbs minimal amount of temperature from the ambient air. Furthermore, this invention may be any design or size in order to fit any type, style or size of A/C vent.

In further illustration, FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a dripless A/C vent in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The dripless A/C vent includes a vent diffuser 105 in communication with an A/C vent. The vent diffuser 105 includes a pair of end cap components 110 and a pair of side channel rails 115 arranged oppositely to one another. Each side channel rail 115 secured at each distal end 120, 125 to a corresponding one of the end cap components 110. The vent diffuser further includes an inside channel rail 130 secured at each distal end 120, 125 to a corresponding one of the end cap components 110 at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail is secured and a middle cap 135 arranged perpendicularly to each of the channel rails and secured to a common bottom face 140 of each of the channel rails.

As can be seen, each of the end caps and the middle cap further include respective grooves 145 in parallel with the inside channel rail. Each groove 145 is of a thickness 150 corresponding to a thickness 150′ of the inside channel rails so that the inside channel rail is secured by each of the grooves of the pair of end caps at each distal end and secured by the groove of the middle cap the intermediate position.

Furthermore, each of the side channel rails includes a top face 155. Each top face of each of the side channel rails is along an entire length of each of the side channel rails and positioned perpendicular to a height of each of the side channel rails. This top face 155 forms an outer lip 160 of the top face of each of the side channel rails. As well, the inside channel rail includes a top face 165. The top face 165 of the inside channel rail is along an entire length of the inside channel rail and positioned perpendicular to a height of the inside channel rail. The top face 165 forms an inner lip 170 and an outer lip 175 of the top face of the inside channel rail. Here, a width 180 of the top face of the inside channel rail is less than a width 185 between each of the side channel rails. Furthermore, the top face of each of the side channel rails and the top face of the inside channel rail form a common top face 190 of each of the channel rails. As can be seen, the end caps also each have a top face with an inner and outer lip and also form the common top face with the channel rails.

In further illustration, FIGS. 2A and 2B show a dripless A/C vent in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As can be seen, the dripless A/C vent includes a vent diffuser 205 in communication with an A/C vent. The vent diffuser 205 includes a pair of end cap components 210 and a pair of side channel rails 215 arranged oppositely to one another. Each side channel rail 215 secured at each distal end 220, 225 to a corresponding one of the end cap components 210. The side channel rails are secured to a middle cap 235 arranged perpendicularly to each of the side channel rails and secured to a common bottom face 240 of each of the side channel rails.

In further illustration, FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show a dripless A/C vent in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The dripless A/C vent includes a vent diffuser 305 in communication with an A/C vent. The vent diffuser 305 includes a pair of end cap components 310 and a pair of side channel rails 315 arranged oppositely to one another. Each side channel rail 315 secured at each distal end 320, 325 to a corresponding one of the end cap components 310. The vent diffuser further includes a first and second inside channel rail 330 secured at each distal end 320, 325 to a corresponding one of the end cap components 310 at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail is secured and a middle cap 335 arranged perpendicularly to each of the channel rails and secured to a common bottom face 340 of each of the channel rails.

As can be seen, each of the end caps and the middle cap further comprise a respective grooves 345 in parallel with each of the inside channel rails. Each groove is of a thickness 350 corresponding to a thickness 350′ of each inside channel rail so that each inside channel rail is secured by each of the grooves of each of the end caps at each distal end and secured by each of the grooves of the middle cap at the intermediate position.

Furthermore, the dripless A/C vent further includes a top face 355 of each of the side channel rails. Each top face of each of the side channel rails is along an entire length of each of the side channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the side channel rail. This top face 355 forms an outer lip 360 of the top face of each of the side channel rails. As well, the inside channel rails includes respective top faces 365. The top faces of each of the inside channel rails is along an entire length of each of the inside channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the inside channel rails. The top face 365 forms an inner lip 370 and an outer lip 375 of the top face of each of the inside channel rails. Here, a combined width 380 of the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is less than a width 385 between each of the side channel rails. Furthermore, the top face of each of the side channel rails and the top face of each of the inside channel rails form a common top face 390 of each of the channel rails. As can be seen, the end caps also each have a top face with an inner and outer lip and also form the common top face with the channel rails.

In further illustration, FIGS. 4A and 4B show a dripless A/C vent in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Here, the embodiment includes three inside channel rails 430. As such, based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4C, any amount of inside channel rails may be utilized in order to size the dripless A/C vent according to the required specifications.

The A/C vent diffuser parts can be manufactured using any procedure now known or later developed, including but not limited to injection molding, casting, milling, forging, and pressed. The A/C vent diffuser parts can be coupled to one another using any method now known or later developed, including but not limited to adhesives, mechanical interlocking, fasteners or welding. The A/C vent diffuser parts may be of any shape and design. The materials for the A/C vent diffuser may be chosen to have a lower thermal conductivity and lower thermal diffusivity, so as to disperse temperature changes and lower density, but a lower density so as to remain lightweight, while maintaining a higher modulus of elasticity and rigidity, so that the A/C vent diffuser part can be secure and maintains their respective shapes. Therefore, the A/C vent diffuser parts can be manufactured from any material now known or later developed, including but not limited to polyvinylchloride (PVC), PVC foam, polyurethane, composites, rubber, vinyl, silicone, nylon plastic, wood, wax, styrofoam, cellular rubber, polyurethane foam, polystyrol, polystyrene, polypropylene, polystyrene, pyrofoam, polymethylmethacrylate and polycarbonate, as well as other similar materials or any combination of the materials.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Finally, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Having thus described the invention of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims as follows: 

We claim:
 1. A dripless air conditioning (A/C) vent comprising: a vent diffuser in communication with an A/C vent, the vent diffuser comprising: a pair of end cap components fabricated from poly-vinyl chloride (PVC); a pair of side channel rails also fabricated from PVC and arranged oppositely to one another, each side channel rail secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components; at least one inside channel rail also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail is secured; and, a middle cap arranged perpendicularly to each of the channel rails and secured to a common bottom face of each of the channel rails.
 2. The dripless A/C vent of claim 1, wherein each of the end caps and the middle cap further comprise a respective groove in parallel with the inside channel rail, wherein each groove is of a thickness corresponding to a thickness of the inside channel rail so that the inside channel rail is secured by each of the grooves of the pair of end caps at each distal end and secured by the groove of the middle cap at the intermediate position.
 3. The dripless A/C vent of claim 1, wherein each of the side channel rails further comprise a top face, wherein each top face of each of the side channel rails is along an entire length of each of the side channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the side channel rails forming an outer lip of the top face of each of the side channel rails; wherein the inside channel rail further comprises a top face, wherein the top face of the inside channel rail is along an entire length of the inside channel rail and positioned perpendicular to height of the inside channel rail forming an inner lip and an outer lip of the top face of the inside channel rail; wherein a width of the top face of the inside channel rail is less than a width between each of the side channel rails; and, wherein the top face of each of the side channel rails and the top face of the inside channel rail form a common top face of each of the channel rails.
 4. The dripless A/C vent of claim 1, further comprising: a second inside channel rail also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail and the first inside channel rail are secured.
 5. The dripless A/C vent of claim 4, wherein each of the end caps and the middle cap further comprise a respective groove in parallel with each of the inside channel rails, wherein each groove is of a thickness corresponding to a thickness of each inside channel rail so that each inside channel rail is secured by each of the grooves of each of the end caps at each distal end and secured by each of the grooves of the middle cap at the intermediate position.
 6. The dripless A/C vent of claim 4, wherein each of the side channel rails further comprise a top face, wherein each top face of each of the side channel rails is along an entire length of each of the side channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the side channel rails forming an outer lip of the top face of each of the side channel rails; wherein each of the inside channel rails further comprise a top face, wherein the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is along an entire length of each of the inside channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the inside channel rails forming an inner lip and an outer lip of the top face of each of the inside channel rails; wherein a combined width of the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is less than a width between each of the side channel rails; and, wherein the top face of each of the side channel rails and the top face of each of the inside channel rails form a common top face of each of the channel rails.
 7. The dripless A/C vent of claim 4, further comprising: a third inside channel rail also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail and the first and second inside channel rail are secured.
 8. The dripless A/C vent of claim 7, wherein each of the end caps and the middle cap further comprise a respective groove in parallel with each of the inside channel rails, wherein each groove is of a thickness corresponding to a thickness of each inside channel rail so that each inside channel rail is secured by each of the grooves of each of the end caps at each distal end and secured by each of the grooves of the middle cap at the intermediate position.
 9. The dripless A/C vent of claim 7, wherein each of the side channel rails further comprise a top face, wherein each top face of each of the side channel rails is along an entire length of each of the side channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the side channel rails forming an outer lip of the top face of each of the side channel rails; wherein each of the inside channel rails further comprise a top face, wherein the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is along an entire length of each of the inside channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the inside channel rails forming an inner lip and an outer lip of the top face of each of the inside channel rails; wherein a combined width of the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is less than a width between each of the side channel rails; and, wherein the top face of each of the side channel rails and the top face of each of the inside channel rails form a common top face of each of the channel rails.
 10. A dripless air conditioning (A/C) vent comprising: a vent diffuser in communication with an A/C vent, the vent diffuser comprising: a pair of end cap components fabricated from poly-vinyl chloride (PVC); a pair of side channel rails also fabricated from PVC and arranged oppositely to one another, each side channel rail secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components; at least two inside channel rails also fabricated from PVC and secured at each distal end to a corresponding one of the end cap components at a position intermediate to where each side channel rail is secured; a middle cap arranged perpendicularly to each of the channel rails and secured to a common bottom face of each of the channel rails; wherein each of the end caps and the middle cap further comprise a respective groove in parallel with each of the inside channel rails, wherein each groove is of a thickness corresponding to a thickness of each inside channel rail so that each inside channel rail is secured by each of the grooves of each of the end caps at each distal end and secured by each of the grooves of the middle cap at the intermediate position; wherein each of the side channel rails further comprise a top face, wherein each top face of each of the side channel rails is along an entire length of each of the side channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the side channel rails forming an outer lip of the top face of each of the side channel rails; wherein each of the inside channel rails further comprise a top face, wherein the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is along an entire length of each of the inside channel rails and positioned perpendicular to height of each of the inside channel rails forming an inner lip and an outer lip of the top face of each of the inside channel rails; wherein a combined width of the top faces of each of the inside channel rails is less than a width between each of the side channel rails; and, wherein the top face of each of the side channel rails and the top face of each of the inside channel rails form a common top face of each of the channel rails. 